System, method, and computer program product for preventing image-related data loss

ABSTRACT

A system, method, and computer program product are provided for preventing data loss associated with an image. In use, an image is identified, and it is determined whether the image includes predetermined data. In addition, an action is performed based on the determination, for preventing data loss.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to data loss prevention, and more particularly to systems for preventing data loss.

BACKGROUND

Typically, data loss prevention systems are utilized for identifying and analyzing textual-based data in order to ensure that predetermined data is not leaked. However, such data loss prevention systems have traditionally been ineffective with respect to data loss stemming from images. For example, a screenshot which includes confidential data is generally not recognized by a data loss prevention system which only identifies and analyzes text-based data. Thus, conventional data loss prevention systems have typically been unable to prevent data loss caused by the transfer of images containing confidential data. Additionally, these images have not only included screenshots and/or screen captures, but have also included various other types of images.

In some cases, data loss prevention systems have attempted to prevent data loss from images, however, such systems have also exhibited various limitations. For example, such systems have merely attempted to prevent image creation (e.g. by disabling predefined user input commands which are used to create images, etc.). Nevertheless, numerous techniques exist to circumvent these precautionary measures. For example, browser and software resources may be utilized which allow images (e.g. screenshots, etc.) to be created without utilizing such predefined user input commands.

There is thus a need for addressing these and/or other issues associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY

A system, method, and computer program product are provided for preventing data loss associated with an image. In use, an image is identified, and it is determined whether the image includes predetermined data. In addition, an action is performed based on the determination, for preventing data loss.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a network architecture, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a representative hardware environment that may be associated with the servers and/or clients of FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows a method for preventing data loss associated with an image, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a method for determining whether an image includes confidential data, in accordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows a method for identifying an image as including confidential data, in accordance with yet another embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows a system for preventing data loss associated with an image, in accordance with one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a network architecture 100, in accordance with one embodiment. As shown, a plurality of networks 102 is provided. In the context of the present network architecture 100, the networks 102 may each take any form including, but not limited to a local area network (LAN), a wireless network, a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, peer-to-peer network, etc.

Coupled to the networks 102 are servers 104 which are capable of communicating over the networks 102. Also coupled to the networks 102 and the servers 104 is a plurality of clients 106. Such servers 104 and/or clients 106 may each include a desktop computer, lap-top computer, hand-held computer, mobile phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), peripheral (e.g. printer, etc.), any component of a computer, and/or any other type of logic. In order to facilitate communication among the networks 102, at least one gateway 108 is optionally coupled therebetween.

FIG. 2 shows a representative hardware environment that may be associated with the servers 104 and/or clients 106 of FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment. Such figure illustrates a typical hardware configuration of a workstation in accordance with one embodiment having a central processing unit 210, such as a microprocessor, and a number of other units interconnected via a system bus 212.

The workstation shown in FIG. 2 includes a Random Access Memory (RAM) 214, Read Only Memory (ROM) 216, an I/O adapter 218 for connecting peripheral devices such as disk storage units 220 to the bus 212, a user interface adapter 222 for connecting a keyboard 224, a mouse 226, a speaker 228, a microphone 232, and/or other user interface devices such as a touch screen (not shown) to the bus 212, communication adapter 234 for connecting the workstation to a communication network 235 (e.g., a data processing network) and a display adapter 236 for connecting the bus 212 to a display device 238.

The workstation may have resident thereon any desired operating system. It will be appreciated that an embodiment may also be implemented on platforms and operating systems other than those mentioned. One embodiment may be written using JAVA, C, and/or C++ language, or other programming languages, along with an object oriented programming methodology. Object oriented programming (OOP) has become increasingly used to develop complex applications.

Of course, the various embodiments set forth herein may be implemented utilizing hardware, software, or any desired combination thereof. For that matter, any type of logic may be utilized which is capable of implementing the various functionality set forth herein.

FIG. 3 shows a method 300 for preventing data loss associated with an image, in accordance with one embodiment. As an option, the method 300 may be carried out in the context of the architecture and environment of FIGS. 1 and/or 2. Of course, however, the method 300 may be carried out in any desired environment.

As shown in operation 302, an image is identified. In the context of the present description, the image may include any graphic or picture representation of data. In various embodiments, the image may include a JPEG interchange format (JPEG) image, a graphics interchange format (GIF) image, a tagged image file format (TIFF) image, a screenshot, and/or any other type of image that meets the above definition. In one embodiment, the image may be stored as a raster data set of binary or integer values that represent various data.

Additionally, in one embodiment, the image may be identified in response to communication of the image (or a request for such communication) over a network. For example, the image may be sent as an attachment to an electronic mail message over a network from a sender to a recipient. Just by way of example, the network may include any of the networks described above with respect to FIG. 1. Further, the image may be identified by analyzing, monitoring, etc. data communications over the network. Optionally, the image may be identified by analyzing outgoing electronic mail messages.

In another embodiment, the image may be stored on a device (e.g. such as any of the devices described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and/or 2). For example, the image may be stored on a hard disk drive of a personal computer. To this end, the image may optionally be identified during a system scan. Just by way of example, memory may be scanned for identifying the image (e.g. by identifying predetermined file formats, etc.).

As also shown, it is determined whether the image includes predetermined data. Note operation 304. The predetermined data may include any information, content, etc. that has been predetermined. In one embodiment, the predetermined data may include confidential data. In another embodiment, the predetermined data may include textual data. In still another embodiment, the predetermined data may include fingerprinted (e.g. hashed, etc.) data.

Additionally, it may be determined whether the image includes the predetermined data in any manner. For example, in one embodiment, the image may be analyzed. In another embodiment, data (e.g. textual data, etc.) may be extracted from the image. In still another embodiment, the textual data extracted from the image may be fingerprinted.

In yet another embodiment, it may be determined whether the image includes the predetermined data by comparing the image, or any portion of the image, against the predetermined data. For example, data extracted from the image, fingerprinted data associated with the image, etc. may be compared against the predetermined data. In another embodiment, the image may be determined to include the predetermined data, if the image, portion of the image, data extracted from the image, etc. matches the predetermined data or a portion thereof.

Furthermore, as shown in operation 306, an action is performed based on the determination, for preventing data loss. In the context of the present description, the data loss may refer to any loss of data. For example, the data loss may include data leakage, data deletion, a compromise of secure data, etc. In one embodiment, the data loss may result from communication of the image (e.g. over the network, etc.), presentation of the image to a user unauthorized to view the image, etc. Just by way of example, the data loss may be external and/or internal with respect to a network, organization, etc.

Additionally, the action may include any action capable of, at least in part, preventing data loss. For example, in one embodiment, communication of the image may be prevented. In this way, communication of the image may be prevented if it is determined that the image includes the predetermined data, as an option. Similarly, communication of the image may be allowed, if it is determined that the image does not include the predetermined data, as another option.

In yet another embodiment, the image may be quarantined (e.g. until manually deleted, allowed, etc. by a user). In still another embodiment, one or more of an administrator(s), a management team (e.g. a plurality of users, etc.), a sender of the image, and a recipient of the image may be notified. Additionally, a determination that the image includes the predetermined data may be logged. In this way, data loss involving images which include predetermined data may be prevented. Moreover, such data loss may optionally be prevented independently of a manner (e.g. device such as a camera, keyboard, mouse, application, etc.) in which the image is created (e.g. a manner in which a screenshot is captured, etc.).

Furthermore, prevention of the data loss may be accomplished utilizing any desired device. In various embodiments, the identification of the image, the determination of whether the image includes predetermined data, and the performance of the action may be performed at a gateway, a mail server, a web server, a file transfer protocol (FTP) server, a client device (e.g. desktop, laptop, etc.), and/or any other location, for that matter. Further, the different operations may or may not be performed at the same location.

More illustrative information will now be set forth regarding various optional architectures and features with which the foregoing technique may or may not be implemented, per the desires of the user. It should be strongly noted that the following information is set forth for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting in any manner. Any of the following features may be optionally incorporated with or without the exclusion of other features described.

FIG. 4 shows a method 400 for determining whether an image includes confidential data, in accordance with another embodiment. As an option, the method 400 may be carried out in the context of the architecture and environment of FIGS. 1-3. Of course, however, the method 400 may be carried out in any desired environment. It should also be noted that the aforementioned definitions may apply during the present description.

As shown in operation 402, communication of an image over a network is identified. In one embodiment, the communication may include sending an electronic mail message containing the image from a sender to a recipient. In another embodiment, the communication may include uploading the image to one computer from another computer. In yet another embodiment, the communication may include downloading the image from one computer by another computer. However, the communication may include any transmission of the image over a network.

Furthermore, the communication of the image over the network may be identified in any manner. For example, the image may be identified by monitoring, flagging, tracking, etc. communications over the network. In one embodiment, the communication of the image may include a request for communication of the image over the network, such that identifying the communication may include identifying the request for such communication. As another option, the communication of the image may be identified by intercepting communication of the image over the network.

In addition, the image is analyzed. See operation 404. In one embodiment, the analysis may include extracting data (e.g. text, etc.) from the image. In another embodiment, the data extracted from the image may be fingerprinted. In yet another embodiment, the image may be flagged and examined by an administrator. However, the image may be analyzed in any manner.

Furthermore, in decision 406, it is determined whether the image includes confidential data. In the context of the present embodiment, the confidential data may include any data which is known to be confidential. Optionally, such data may be determined to be confidential if any predetermined words, phrases, etc. (or a number thereof meeting a predefined threshold) indicating a confidential nature of the data are identified. For example, the confidential data may include company policy information, trade secret information, information associated with a nondisclosure agreement, etc.

Optionally, the determination may be made automatically (e.g. via computer code, etc.). Additionally, in one embodiment, data extracted from the image may be compared to known confidential data for determining whether the image includes the confidential data. For example, all data extracted from the image may be fingerprinted and compared against a database of fingerprinted known confidential data. In another example, keywords selected from the data extracted from the image may be fingerprinted and compared against a database of fingerprinted keywords known to be indicative of confidential data. In another embodiment, an administrator may manually examine the image to determine if it includes the confidential data. Of course, the determination whether an image includes the confidential data may be made in any manner.

If it is determined in decision 406 that the image does not include confidential data, communication of the image is allowed. See operation 408. Additionally, any technique for allowing communication of the image may be performed. For example, in one embodiment, an electronic mail message containing the image may be sent to its intended recipient(s). In another embodiment, the image may be uploaded to a server in response to a request. In yet another embodiment, controls capable of being utilized (e.g. by a user, etc.) to send the image may be enabled.

If it is determined in decision 406 that the image includes confidential data, in operation 410, an action is performed for preventing data loss from the communication of the image. In one embodiment, such data loss may be prevented by preventing communication of the image over the network (e.g. denying a request to communicate the data, cancelling a communication of the data, etc.). Just by way of example, an electronic mail message may be prevented from being sent to its intended recipients. In another embodiment, an administrator or senior manager may be alerted or notified. However, any action for preventing data loss from communication of the image may be performed.

FIG. 5 shows a method 500 for identifying an image as including confidential data, in accordance with yet another embodiment. As an option, the method 500 may be carried out in the context of the architecture and environment of FIGS. 1-4. For example, the method 500 may be used in the context of operation 404 of FIG. 4, for example. Of course, however, the method 500 may be carried out in any desired environment. Again, it should also be noted that the aforementioned definitions may apply during the present description.

As shown in operation 502, text in an image is identified. In the context of the present description, the text may be numeric, symbolic, alphabetic, and/or any other type of text capable of being identified in an image. In one embodiment, the text in the image may be identified by performing an optical character recognition (OCR) procedure on the image. In another embodiment, the text in the image may be identified by performing an intelligent character recognition (ICR) procedure on the image. In yet another embodiment, the text in the image may be identified utilizing one or more neural networks (e.g. mathematical models, computational models, etc.). Of course, however, the text in the image may be identified in any manner.

Additionally, a fingerprint of the text is determined. Note operation 504. In the context of the present description, the fingerprint may be any value, string, etc. that identifies the text. For example, the fingerprint may be with respect to all or part of the text. To this end, the fingerprint may include a hash of the text, a hash of a portion of the text, etc.

In this way, the fingerprint of the text may be determined in any manner. For example, in one embodiment, the entire text may be hashed. In another embodiment, a portion of the text may be hashed.

Further, as shown in operation 506, the fingerprint is compared to a database of known confidential data. The database may include a list, an index, a string, a table, a relational database management system (RDBMS), and/or any other data structure which is capable of storing the known confidential data. Additionally, it should be noted that the database of known confidential data may store textual data, hashed data, modified data, and/or any other form of the known confidential data.

Moreover, the fingerprint may be compared with the database of known confidential data in any desired manner. For example, in one embodiment, the fingerprint may be compared with fingerprints stored in the database of known confidential data. In another embodiment, the database may include a hash table, such that the fingerprint may be utilized as an index for identifying known confidential data (or a fingerprint thereof) in the database to which the fingerprint is compared.

Further still, as shown in decision 508, it is determined if a match is found. In one embodiment, the match may be found, if the fingerprint exactly matches an entry in the database of known confidential data. In another embodiment, the match may be found, if the fingerprint approximately matches an entry in the database of known confidential data. In yet another embodiment, the match may be found, if a portion of the fingerprint matches a portion of an entry in the database of known confidential data. However, the match may be found in any manner.

If it is determined in decision 508 that no match is found, the image is identified as not including confidential data in operation 510. In one embodiment, the image may be tagged with an indication that it does not contain confidential data. In another embodiment, a null set may be returned. In still another embodiment, a user and/or administrator may be notified that the image does not contain confidential data. Of course, however, the image may be identified as not including confidential data in any manner.

If, in decision 508, it is determined that a match is found, the image is identified as including confidential data. Note operation 512. In one embodiment, the image may be tagged with an indication that it contains confidential data. In another embodiment, a notification may be generated for notifying the user and/or administrator that the image contains confidential data. Of course, however, the image may be identified as including confidential data in any manner.

FIG. 6 shows a system 600 for preventing data loss associated with an image, in accordance with another embodiment. As an option, the system 600 may be implemented in the context of the architecture and environment of FIGS. 1-5. Of course, however, the system 600 may be implemented in any desired environment. Again, it should also be noted that the aforementioned definitions may apply during the present description.

As shown, a first device 602 is in communication with a second device 606 via an analyzer 612. While only two devices are shown, it should be noted that the first device 602 and/or second device 606 may also optionally be in communication with a plurality of other devices. In addition, the analyzer 612 may include a single analyzer, as shown, but, of course, may also include any combination of analyzers by which the first device 602 and the second device 606 communicate. In addition, the first device 602 is also in communication with the second device 606 via a first network 604.

As also shown, the analyzer 612 is in communication with a database 614. The database 614 may include any data structure capable of being utilized for storing data. Further, such data may include known confidential data, fingerprints of known confidential data, etc. Thus, the analyzer 612 may be capable of reading, retrieving, etc. data from the database 614. Optionally, the database 614 may receive data updates [e.g. from a server (not shown), etc.].

In one embodiment, the analyzer 612 may be utilized for identifying the communication of an image (e.g. over a network). For example, the analyzer 612 may be capable of identifying the communication of the image sent from the first device 602 to the second device 606. Such identification may be made by intercepting the communication, for example. While not shown, it should be noted that the analyzer 612 may be integrated with (e.g. installed on, etc.) the first device 602 and/or the second device 606.

In another embodiment, a gateway 608 may be utilized for identifying the communication of the image over the first network 604, as shown. Further, the gateway 608 may communicate the image (or a copy thereof) to the analyzer 612. It should be noted that while the analyzer 612 is shown as being separate from the gateway 608, the analyzer 612 may also be integrated with the gateway 608.

Additionally, in another embodiment, the analyzer 612 may analyze the image and determine whether the image includes confidential data. For example, the analyzer 612 may identify text in the image. Additionally, the analyzer 612 may fingerprint the text and compare the fingerprint of the text to fingerprints of known confidential data found in the database 614.

Further, in still another embodiment, the analyzer 612 may allow (e.g. forward, etc.) the communication of the image if the analyzer 612 determines that the image does not include confidential data. For example, the analyzer 612 may allow the first device 602 to communicate the image to the second device 606 if the analyzer 612 determines that the image does not contain any confidential data.

Furthermore, in still another embodiment, the analyzer 612 may perform an action for preventing data loss from the communication of the image if the analyzer 612 determines that the image includes confidential data. For example, if the analyzer 612 determines that the image sent from the first device 602 to the second device 606 includes confidential data, the analyzer 612 may block transmission of the image and send a message regarding the confidential nature of the image to the first device 602, the second device 606, an administrator, etc.

In yet another embodiment, the analyzer 612 may perform an on-demand or automated scan of the first device 602 and/or the second device 606 in order to determine if such devices 602, 606 store images which include confidential data. For example, the analyzer 612 may scan disk storage devices of the first device 602 and/or the second device 606 on a monthly basis in order to determine if the devices store images which include confidential data. Further, the analyzer 612 may perform one or more actions to prevent data loss if it is determined that any of such devices 602, 606 store images which include confidential data. Of course, such scan may also be carried out on external media such as a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a memory stick, a universal serial bus (USB) drive, etc.

As also shown, the first network 604 is in communication with a second network 610 via the gateway 608. While only two networks are shown, it should be noted that the first network 604 may also optionally be in communication with a plurality of other networks, and that the second network 610 may also optionally be in communication with a plurality of other networks.

In one embodiment, the gateway 608 may monitor network traffic between the first network 604 and the second network 610. To this end, the gateway 608 may be capable of identifying the communication of an image between such networks 604, 610. For example, the gateway 608 may identify the communication of an image from the first network 604 to the second network 610 or from the second network 610 to the first network 604.

In one embodiment, the gateway 608 may send the identified image to the analyzer 612 to determine whether the image contains confidential data. The analyzer 612 may also alert the gateway 608 of whether the image contains confidential data. Furthermore, the gateway 608 may allow communication of the image based on the alert received from the analyzer 612. For example, if the alert indicates that the image does not include confidential data, communication of the image may be allowed. However, if the alert indicates that the image includes confidential data, the gateway 608 may perform an action for preventing data loss from the communication of the image. For example, if the gateway 608 determines that an image sent from the first network 604 to the second network 610 includes confidential data, the gateway 608 may inform an administrator of one or both networks 604, 610 that communication of an image including confidential information was attempted, may block communication of the image, and/or may perform any other action to prevent data loss from the communication of the image.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. 

1. A method, comprising: identifying an image that was provided as an attachment in an e-mail message; performing an optical character recognition (OCR) procedure on textual data included in the image; determining whether the image includes predetermined data by comparing a portion of the image to a portion of the predetermined data; and performing an action based on the determination, wherein the action includes quarantining the image and preventing a subsequent e-mail message, which attaches the image, from propagating in a network based on identifying the portion of the image as being associated with confidential information.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the image is identified in response to communication of the image over a network.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the image is stored on a device.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the image is identified during a system scan.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the action includes preventing communication of a screenshot, if it is determined that the screenshot includes the predetermined data.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the action includes at least one of: notifying an administrator; notifying a management team; notifying a sender of the image; and notifying a recipient of the image.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined data includes textual data.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining includes extracting textual data from the image.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining includes fingerprinting textual data extracted from the image.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining includes comparing data extracted from the image against the predetermined data.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the image is determined to include the predetermined data, if data extracted from the image matches the predetermined data.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the identifying, determining, and performing are performed at a gateway.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the identifying, determining, and performing are performed at a mail server.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the identifying, determining, and performing are performed at a web server.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the identifying, determining, and performing are performed at a file transfer protocol server.
 16. A computer program product embodied on a non-transitory computer readable medium for performing operations, comprising: identifying an image that was provided as an attachment in an e-mail message; performing an optical character recognition (OCR) procedure on textual data included in the image; determining whether the image includes predetermined data by comparing a portion of the image to a portion of the predetermined data; and performing an action based on the determination, wherein the action includes quarantining the image and preventing a subsequent e-mail message, which attaches the image, from propagating in a network based on identifying the portion of the image as being associated with confidential information.
 17. A system, comprising: a processor, wherein the system is configured for: identifying an image that was provided as an attachment in an e-mail message; performing an optical character recognition (OCR) procedure on textual data included in the image; determining whether the image includes predetermined data by comparing a portion of the image to a portion of the predetermined data; and performing an action based on the determination, wherein the action includes quarantining the image and preventing a subsequent e-mail message, which attaches the image, from propagating in a network based on identifying the portion of the image as being associated with confidential information.
 18. The system of claim 17, further comprising memory coupled to the processor via a bus.
 19. The method of claim 1, wherein the action includes allowing communication of the image, if it is determined that the image does not include the predetermined data.
 20. The method of claim 1, wherein an analyzer is utilized for identifying the image. 